Bomb threat halts Ukraine-Hungary trains, authorities respond

Two international trains travelling from Ukraine to Hungary were delayed overnight from Wednesday to Thursday after bomb threats triggered emergency security checks, the Hungarian State Railways (MÁV) has confirmed. The alerts ultimately proved to be false, with no explosives or other dangers found on board.

Overnight bomb alert in Ukraine

The bomb scare occurred in the early hours of Thursday, affecting the Transcarpathia and Ruthenia express trains, both of which were en route from Ukraine to Hungary, Telex reported. Ukrainian authorities were alerted to the threat before the trains crossed the border, prompting an immediate response from bomb disposal units.

According to MÁV, Ukrainian explosive ordnance experts thoroughly inspected both trains while they were still on Ukrainian territory.

“Based on the information available, the alerts turned out to be false in both cases. Specialists found no explosive devices or other hazardous materials,” the Hungarian railway company said in a statement.

MÁV staff involved after inspections

MÁV employees became involved at different stages of the journeys. On one train, Hungarian railway staff only began service after the train had crossed the border at Chop (Csap) station, following the completion of the security checks. On the other, Hungarian staff were already on board from Uzhhorod (Ungvár).

Railway workers said they did not feel personally threatened during the incident. However, both trains suffered significant delays as a result of the bomb scare and the mandatory inspections.

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Passengers checked after arrival in Hungary

Reports indicate that once the trains arrived in Hungary, passengers were asked to disembark and were subsequently checked by authorities as a precautionary measure.

The bomb threat is believed to have originated from an unknown caller, and no further details have been released regarding the identity or motive behind the false alarm.

Despite the disruption, rail traffic eventually resumed, and officials stressed that passenger safety had not been compromised.